Southern Methodist University’s School of Engineering was established in 1925 as the first school of engineering in Texas. The school was founded by industrialist Edwin L. Cox, who believed that engineering education should be a vital part of a university’s curriculum. The initial faculty included two professors and four assistants, and the curriculum was designed to prepare students for a career in engineering. Over the years, the school has grown to include seven departments: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, and Systems Engineering.
The school has maintained a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and research since its inception. In the decades following its establishment, SMU’s School of Engineering has played an important role in advancing technology and knowledge within the fields of engineering and computer science. In addition to providing students with a strong foundation in engineering principles, SMU’s School of Engineering also offers graduate programs that focus on advanced topics such as robotics or artificial intelligence. In recent years, SMU’s School of Engineering has also become known for its research into emerging technologies such as nanotechnology or quantum computing.
Today, SMU’s School of Engineering is home to more than 2200 students from over 60 countries around the world. The school is consistently ranked among top engineering schools across the country due to its commitment to excellence in teaching and research. With its cutting-edge facilities and world-renowned faculty members who are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, SMU’s School of Engineering continues to provide students with an unmatched educational experience that prepares them for success both inside and outside academia.
As one of the best engineering schools in the state of Texas, Southern Methodist University School of Engineering has reported the following admissions statistics, including the acceptance rate, average GPA/GRE scores, and minimum TOEFL scores for iBT and paper test. Also covered is overall rankings and tuition scholarship information for Southern Methodist University School of Engineering.
Southern Methodist University School of Engineering has an overall acceptance rate of about 34%, which is quite competitive. The average SAT score for incoming students is 1325, and the average ACT score is 28. The school also looks at other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation when making admissions decisions. SMU Engineering also offers a number of merit-based scholarships to eligible applicants. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and community service. In addition to merit-based scholarships, the school also offers need-based financial aid to qualifying students. Need-based aid can include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. SMU Engineering is committed to helping students pay for their education by offering a variety of financial aid options.
Fall 2022 Admissions Statistics
Total applicants (master’s and Ph.D.)
687
Total acceptances (master’s and Ph.D.)
509
Overall acceptance rate
74.1%
Fall 2022 Admissions Information
Application deadline for U.S. residents
rolling
Application fee for U.S. residents
$75
Application deadline for international students
N/A
Application fee for international students
$75
Director of admissions
Marc Valerin
2022 Entering Class GPA and GRE Scores
GRE required?
The GRE is required by some, but not all departments.
Average GPA of new entrants in master’s program
3.20
Number reporting GPA for master’s programs
103
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
434
Number reporting verbal GRE score for master’s programs
248
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
736
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for master’s programs
224
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
N/A
Number reporting writing GRE score for master’s programs
N/A
Average GPA of new entrants in doctoral program
3.00
Number reporting GPA for doctoral programs
8
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
431
Number reporting verbal GRE score for doctoral programs
38
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
751
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for doctoral programs
27
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
N/A
Number reporting writing GRE score for doctoral programs
N/A
Average GPA of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
3.20
Number reporting GPA for both master’s and doctoral programs
111
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
434
Number reporting verbal GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
248
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
738
Number reporting quantitative GRE scores for master’s and doctoral programs
251
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
Number reporting writing GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
TOEFL
TOEFL required for international students?
Yes
Minimum TOEFL score required for computer test
213
Minimum TOEFL score required for paper test
550
Ranking: Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University School of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the nation. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked SMU’s engineering school #41 among undergraduate engineering programs. The school is also highly ranked in several specialty areas, including #9 for computer engineering and #17 for electrical/electronic/communications engineering. Additionally, SMU’s graduate program was ranked as the #2 best online graduate program in the country in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report and has consistently been recognized as one of the best online graduate programs since then. SMU’s research expenditures are also impressive; the university was awarded more than $36 million from external sources in 2020 alone, making it one of the top research universities in Texas. The faculty at SMU is also highly regarded; many professors have won prestigious awards for their research and teaching excellence, and there are many opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on research projects and other initiatives.
Top Engineering Schools
Score
N/A
Peer assessment score (5.0 highest)
2.3
Recruiter assessment score (5.0 highest)
2.8
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
738
Overall acceptance rate
74.1%
2020 Ph.D. student/faculty ratio
1.3
Faculty membership in National Academy of Engineering
0.0%
2020 Engineering school research expenditures (in millions)
$9.3
Research expenditures per faculty member (in thousands)
$182.6
2020 Ph.D.’s granted
19
Total graduate engineering enrollment
962
Tuition & Financial Aid: Southern Methodist University
Financial Aid Contact Information
Financial aid director
Marc Valerin
Financial aid phone
(214) 768-3484
2022-2023 Expenses
Tuition
Full-time: $906 per credit, part-time: $906 per credit
